Tubular RFID Tag Structure for Orientation Robustness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-dimensional RFID tags are orientation-sensitive and prone to interference from materials within a package, limiting their effectiveness in tracking items, and current three-dimensional tag solutions are costly due to the use of additional support structures.
Innovation Solution
A self-sustainable tubular shaped RFID tag structure formed directly from a flexible, flat inlay with a substrate and antenna, where opposite sides are attached to create a seam, eliminating the need for additional support materials and allowing for a cheaper production method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two-dimensional antenna structure is used, then the manufacturing cost is low and the structure is simple, but the orientation sensitivity is high and the robustness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional antenna structure to a three-dimensional tubular structure by bending the flat inlay and joining opposite edges. This dimensional change allows the antenna to interact with electromagnetic fields from multiple directions, reducing orientation sensitivity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the bending and joining process.
2Reliability
If additional support structures are used to create a three-dimensional tag, then the orientation sensitivity is reduced and robustness is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna structure with the tag body by forming the tubular structure directly from the inlay itself, eliminating the need for separate support structures. The inlay is bent into a tube and the edges are joined, creating a self-sufficient three-dimensional structure that provides robustness without additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlay serves dual functions: it provides the antenna functionality and simultaneously forms the structural support of the tag body. By bending and joining the inlay edges, the structure creates its own three-dimensional form without requiring external support elements, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If a two-dimensional antenna is applied to a single surface, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the antenna is limited in directionality and suffers from void in one dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the two-dimensional antenna by bending it into a three-dimensional tubular configuration. This allows the antenna to radiate electromagnetic signals in multiple directions (360 degrees around the tube), eliminating the directional limitation of flat antennas while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the bending process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tubular structure enhances orientation sensitivity and robustness while reducing production costs, making it a cost-effective solution for tracking items without additional support structures, with a price point below 1 euro per piece.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID antenna of the RFID tag absorbs, couples with, and/or reflects radio frequency signals from the transmitter (that incidentally may be included in the reader device) and provides a signal and power to the attached integrated circuit of the RFID tag
Implementation Method 2
the integrated circuit receives the received RF signals from the antenna and modulates the back-scattered signal so as to send information stored on the integrated circuit back to the reader
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A self-sustainable substantially tubular shaped tag structure, comprises a flexible and substantially flat inlay comprising a substrate and at least an antenna; a wall of the tubular shaped tag structure constituted directly and solely by the inlay that is formed into the shape of the wall, thereby excluding any other material to carry the inlay and realize the wall; and a seam configured to close the tubular shaped tag structure and involving borders of the inlay.